(Anatto family)

According to Mabberley (1997), this family comprises fifteen species in two genera (Cochlospermum Kunth and Amoreuxia Moçiño & Sessé) previously classified in their own family (Cochlospermaceae) together with one species in the genus Bixa L., which was formerly (Brummitt 1992) considered to be the only representative of the Bixaceae. They are trees and shrubs found in tropical regions. Most species are xerophytes.

These plants are of dermatological interest principally because certain species yield a dye that can stain the skin. In addition, biting and/or stinging ants that visit Bixa orellana present a dermatological hazard to those who handle the plant in its natural habitat.

Bixa orellana L.

Lipstick Tree, Anatto, Annatto, Kesumba, Kesumba Kling, Urucú

This species is cultivated for its fruit pulp which yields the bright orange food dye annatto, otherwise known as annatta or arnotto or roucou. Annatto has been used by South American Indians as a red colouring for the body (Corner 1952, Menninger 1967).